Detailed Information About the Anubias Aquarium Plant

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Brief Overview

Another great addition to your aquarium could be Anubias Aquarium Plant, or Anubias Nana. Its small green pod-like leaves and the way it bunches together naturally make it an excellent foliage for your bottom dwelling friends. It is a very hearty plant and a good choice for beginners. Be sure your Anubias live aquarium plants has enough light and be sure to follow the plant introduction important steps below. If you like the look of Anubias, you may also like Green Tiger Lotus, or Four Leaf Clover.

Detailed Wikipedia Information

Anubias is a genus of aquatic and semi-aquatic flowering plants in the family Araceae, native to tropical central and western Africa. They primarily grow in rivers and streams, but can also be found in marshes. They are characterized by broad, thick, dark leaves that come in many different forms. The genus was revised in 1979 and since then its taxonomy has been stable. Species can be determined by using mostly characteristics of the inflorescence.

Description

Anubias are commonly used in aquariums, usually attached to rocks or bogwood. In contrast to most plants, Anubias generally prefer subdued lighting and can also produce flowers underwater. In the aquarium they should be placed in shaded areas, otherwise algae will develop on the leaves.








Anubias Fish Tank Plants are considered by many aquarists some of the easiest plants to maintain, since their light and nutrient requirements are very low and also because herbivorous fish will not eat it. This is why Anubias are some of the few plants which can be used in aquariums with African cichlids and goldfishes.







Reproduction in artificial environments can be accomplished by stolon division or from side shoots. The stolon must always be above the substrate in order to survive, otherwise it will rot and the plant dies. It is also possible to propagate Anubias by seed.



The natural growth rate of all species in this genus is rather slow. Usually, they produce a leaf every 3 weeks, or even slower. Unfortunately, these are also among the few plants that do not respond to CO2 addition.





The most commonly available species of this genus is Anubias barteri Schott, which is very polymorphic and is subdivided into several varieties. The biggest representatives of the genus are Anubias gigantea Chevalier ex Hutchinson and Anubias heterophylla Engler. Their leaf-stems can grow up to 83 cm, with leaves 40 cm long and 14 cm broad with lateral lobes up to 28 cm long and 10 cm broad. The smallest representative is Anubias barteri var. nana (Engler) Crusio, with a height up to 10 cm and with leaves up to 6 cm long and 3 cm broad.





Anubias can best be grown emersed (above water). For this reason they may be used in paludariums.

In the aquarium

There are important steps that need to be taken when introducing a new plant into your aquarium. First be certain it has adequate light. We cover good aquarium lighting in another section. When you get your plant home remove all dead leaves and plant matter. Clip them even if they are only a "little dead". The transfer into a new environment can shock a plant in the same way it can shock a fish. The plant will be weaker and more susceptible until it gets established. For this reason it is important that only strong, healthy leaves are on the plant when you first put it in so those leaves get the energy and your plant will thus flourish.



The very important second step is to wash your plant thoroughly and INSPECT it carefully for snails. There are many species of pest snails that can be introduced into your tank via a new plant. They are very small and sparse at first, but they can overtake your aquarium in weeks. Snails are discussed in our Common Problems section. With these steps take your Javafern is sure to thrive and be a fantastic addition to your tank.

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